Car Shipping Cost Answers
we’re here to answer all your Car Shipping questions
How Are Car Shipping Quotes Calculated?
The first factor used to calculate car shipping cost is the transport distance. Next are the length, height and weight of the vehicle, followed by running condition and type of trailer (Open or Enclosed). Finally, seasonal fluctuations may impact the overall cost.
The Car Shipping Route
The distance between origination and destination is probably the main factor determining how much it costs to ship a car. Kind of obvious, right? Philadelphia to Boston is going to cost a lot less than Philadelphia to Los Angeles. The price per mile typically goes down the farther the distance, but the overall cost goes up none the less. The higher the number of miles on the route, the higher the car shipping cost.
Vehicle Length Matters A Great Deal
The length of a vehicle affects the car transport quote. The average sedan is about 192 inches long. Longer vehicles, especially over 196 inches, start to squeeze an auto transport trailer. Vehicles over 200 inches are more costly to ship because they may inhibit space for another vehicle. Instead of able to carry ten vehicles, a car mover might only be able to accommodate nine. So the longer vehicles need to pay for intruding on that space. These are things that the average customer doesn’t think about, but are a major concern for car shipping companies.
Vehicle Height May Affect The Shipping Price
The vehicle height also matters. It works the same way as length. Most sedans are about 57 inches high, midsize SUVs 67 inches, and the larger SUVs are about 73 inches. By and large, all those work fine in most situations. However, the extra tall SUVs, Pickup trucks, and Vans ranging from 75 to 79 inches, are pushing the limits of an auto transporter. What happens is that vehicles 80 inches or higher basically eliminate the option to fit even a small car above it. So the vehicles over 80 inches must pay for two spots.
For a car transport company, every trip is a puzzle piece to be put together just right. It is a combination of mathematics, spatial awareness, creativity, common sense and skill.
Instead of able to carry ten vehicles, a car mover might only be able to accommodate nine. So the longer vehicles need to pay for intruding on that space. These are things that the average customer doesn’t think about, but are a major concern for car shipping companies.
Very Low Vehicle Ground Clearance Should Go Enclosed
The lower the vehicle ground clearance, the more prone to scrapping the bottom or damaging the bumper, especially when shipping Open carrier. Enclosed car transporters are better equipped to safely handle low ground clearance vehicles. As a general rule, vehicles with above 5 inches of ground clearance are probably safe to go Open car transport. Anything with a ground clearance of 4 inches or less, however, should probably ship Enclosed. If your vehicle is between 4 to 5 inches ground clearance, it’s a judgement call. Most every Open car transport service will think twice about hauling a vehicle with only 4.5 inches ground clearance. That is why it may take longer.
Vehicle Weight Makes A Difference To Shipping Cost
Auto transporters must get through the weight scales like every other freight company. The maximum weight for a truck on a U.S. interstate is 80,000 pounds. Subtracting the weight of the truck and empty trailer, that leaves approximately 45,000 lbs. for cargo, in this case vehicles. Assuming ten vehicles will fit on such a big car hauler, the average weight for each can be no more than 4,500 lbs.. It becomes a puzzle piece on weight too. The lighter vehicles will allow for more heavier vehicles.
Over the decades, Americans especially have gravitated to heavier SUV’s and Pickup trucks. Car shipping cost has risen as a result. It is also for this reason that auto transporters limit extra items placed in the vehicle. It is due to a concern for overall weight.
Non-Running Vehicles Cost More
Maneuvering non-operational vehicles on and off a car transport trailer is a big challenge. Car shipping companies much prefer operational (running) vehicles because it gives them an easier option to reposition their entire load. Non-running vehicles take considerably more time to get on and off the trailer. So the car shipping quote must reflect the higher cost. Many auto transporters don’t have a winch and cannot accommodate non-running vehicles. That is one reason it takes longer on average to ship non-operational vehicles. Fewer do it. If at all possible, fixing your vehicle before trying to ship it will save on the non-running car transport cost, and make the process go faster.
Why Enclosed Car Transport Costs More Than Open Transport
Open car transport means the vehicle will be exposed to the elements, such as weather and the road. Enclosed car shipping is the opposite, as the vehicle is protected from the elements. The average auto transport cost is about 50% higher for Enclosed over Open carrier. That is partly because Enclosed carriers can fit about 50% fewer vehicles while incurring about the same expense, but also because of the extra care and protection.
It should be noted that roughly 97% of all car shipments are Open carrier, which is more cost effective, and also very safe. In either choice, Open or Enclosed carrier, damage complaints are less than 1% of all shipments, and those incidents are relatively innocuous. Enclosed auto shipping is often the choice for high priced, luxury, or collector cars.
How Seasonal Fluctuations Affect Car Shipping Quotes
The economic laws of supply and demand are at work in the auto transport industry too. Seasonal fluctuations have a major affect on car shipping cost. Summer time is easier and less costly than winter time in the north. Some regions like Florida have seasonal spikes in traffic that make one direction far more expensive, and the reverse direction far cheaper. Even the possibility of inclement weather can greatly affect both the transport cost and service.
A typical year will start with a backlog of vehicles in January, as the number waiting to ship nearly doubles, because car transport carriers stay home for about ten days over the Christmas and New Years holidays. Auto transport quotes rise significantly in a classic over demand vs. under supply equation.
It takes three weeks, or until late January, for equilibrium to return. The vehicle shipping market stays soft in February and March, until April, when the Florida Snowbirds return to the northern states. The same thing happens in other warm weather states, such as California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, which continues busy through all of May.
The Summer is exceptionally strong everywhere. It reaches a fever pitch for about two weeks surrounding the 4th of July, as again many carriers stay home, and car transport costs rise. It takes until late July to settle down. August and September are moderately busy with college students shipping their cars. Then October, November and early December tend to be much slower. Auto transport quotes go down.
But come late December the holidays return, the Snowbirds head south to the warmer states, and the ensuing backlog causes auto transport pricing to spike again. And so it goes …
Big Cities Are Faster Shipping Locations Than Rural
Location also has a big affect on how quickly a vehicle will be shipped. If either the origination or destination are remote or have small populations, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that there is less truck traffic and car shipments may take longer and cost more to attract a carrier. Conversely, according to the 2020 United States Census, roughly 80% of the U.S. population lives in major urban areas, which makes it much easier for car transporters to amalgamate full loads and get on the road quicker. Urban areas typically cost less than remote locations.
A good example is in Michigan. Car shipping to San Francisco from Detroit might take just a few days to assign a carrier. But from somewhat remote Grand Rapids, it could be twice as long. Harder still would be from very remote Traverse City, where up north it could be many weeks before a carrier is heading to San Francisco. Depending on location, a customer should have realistic expectations and plan ahead. Going with the Expedited or Rush tiers help enormously to speed things up.
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My Auto Transport Experience

I am so pleased with my decision to use Direct Express Auto Transport! Ashley was a knowledgeable and confidence inspiring representative and my driver was on time and my car was in perfect shape!
Nancy B.Orlando, FL
Car Shipping Service Well Done

Direct Express Auto Transport did an amazing job delivering my car. They were fast, professional and my car was delivered in excellent condition. They let me know ahead of time around what time the person would be there. They were very easy to use. I would use them again.
Tanille E.Englewood, NJ
Excellent California Car Shipping Service

Jessica provided all the necessary information regarding pricing and schedules available to pick up and deliver my car, no issues, everything worked out great.
Humberto P.San Leandro, CA
Great Auto Transport Service To Texas

Talked to Jessica on Wednesday to have 65 El Camino shipped from Calif to Texas. Was picked up on Thursday the 16th and delivered on Monday the 20th. Beautiful truck and great driver. Sebastian was the driver's name. Also it was awesome to see all the other great cars.
Steve S.New Braunfels, TX
Enclosed Auto Transport

Fantastic experience all around, from the office people calling me back on a Sunday when a question popped up, to getting the car delivered very quickly, the whole process went perfectly. Will use them again for sure.
Derek K.Oradell, NJ
Great Service to Chicago

This is the third time I have used Direct Express Auto Transport. Each time moving a vehicle from or to the Midwest from the West Coast. Prompt at getting the arrangements made. Carrier was timely at making pick up and hitting the target day when delivering. Carrier also communicated well with me leading up to delivery.
Mike T.Chicago, IL
Car Shipped Again From Florida

This is the second time that we used Direct Express Auto Transport and again, not a problem. We will use this company again next year or sooner. Both drivers were courteous and cars arrived exactly on time. Thank you!
Deborah L.Tequesta, FL
My Car Arrived Sooner Than Expected!

Driver was very efficient and accommodating! Once he picked up the vehicle he stayed in contact with us all the way to delivery. Thank you very much for hauling this vehicle for us because we have no way of doing it ourselves.
Chuck R.Mt Clemons, MI
Great Car Shipping Service To New York!

Direct Express Auto Transport exceeded my expectations. They were quick to schedule and very accommodating. I even made a mistake with my arrangements on my end and they rescheduled for me - no problem. My vehicle is brand new, shipped from out of state to me with perfection. Thank you very kindly, Direct Express! Highly recommended.
Anthony M.Brooklyn, NY
Vehicle Transport To Florida

My husband and I were very happy we chose this company to transport our son’s car. They were very professional and quick to pick up the car. They communicated well, arrived on time and the delivery driver was very courteous and polite.
Michele S.Tampa, FL
Satisfied Customer In Las Vegas

I had a great experience with this company, the driver was very professional and also very prompt. My car was transports very upstate New York to Las Vegas and the driver called to tell me I would be getting my car 2 days earlier than expected.
Frank M.North Las Vegas, NV
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